Referral for breast lump. What will happen when I see the consultant breast surgeon?

I visited my GP who was concerned with the lump in my left breast, flattened nipple and what was felt in my underarm. Two days later I've received a letter with an appointment to see the Consultant Breast Surgeon next week.

What should I expect at this appointment? 

I assume he will examine me. If he is also concerned will I have any other tests that day? Or will I be invited back at another time?

Parents
  • You will probably have a mammogram, ultrasound and possibly a biopsy all on the same appointment if the breast surgeon thinks there is cause for concern. This is what happened to me on the first appointment. After that I had another appointment in which I was given the results of the biopsies and told that surgery on the breast and the removal of the axillary lymph nodes was necessary. Obviously, it depends on the procedure of your hospital but I would have thought that there is always time pressure and all the tests would be carried out on the same day.

  • I wasn't sure if a Consultant appointment was different from an actual breast clinic appointment 

  • Hi there I was seen by a nurse specialist, had examination, mammogram, ultrasound and biopsy of left breast with titanium marker placed. After waiting a little while afterwards I was called back in to see the specialist nurse and was told it was very likely breast cancer at that appointment. Then 2 weeks later saw the Consultant who did confirm a large tumour requiring potential mastectomy and sentinel node biopsy. Sent away for 2 weeks to consider my options and decided on mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. This was 3 weeks ago. Hope all goes well for you and I’m sure you will be in great hands. I have been so well looked after throughout this process

    Best wishes from Mary 

  • Aw thanks for that Mary....and I hope your journey continues smoothly. 

    Take care.

    L

  • Thanks, see the Consultant on Monday for results and see if chemotherapy needed. Keep in touch and let me know how you get on.

    Look after yourself

    Mary 

Reply Children
  • Hi Mary,

    You were the first person I really spoke to when I was referred to the breast clinic and just wanted to check in with you and see how things went for you? I hope you had a fairly productive meeting with your consultant and the path ahead is clear. 

    Take care,

    Linda

  • Hi there Linda lovely to hear from you and hope things are going well with your treatment.

    I am now six weeks post mastectomy and reconstruction and feeling good. Had some pain initially mostly in the armpit area due to sentinel node biopsies. Saw the Consultant and don’t need chemotherapy, which was such a relief! Have to start on new medication called exemestane instead of Letrozole which I have been on since my last breast cancer treatment.

    Please let me know how you are doing. You can private message me if you like.

    Bye for now

    Mary x